In July, the demand for electric and hybrid vehicles in Russia increased by nearly 40 percent. According to Ksenia Zaretskaya, CEO of Auto.ru, the growth is primarily driven by hybrid models rather than fully electric cars.
The development of electric vehicle adoption is hindered by infrastructure limitations. Zaretskaya noted that the fast-charging network remains underdeveloped, particularly given the large distances between Russian cities.
On the route between Moscow and Saint Petersburg, there are only about five charging stations. During peak hours, drivers may face wait times of up to two hours to access a charger.
Regional conditions significantly impact vehicle choice. In Krasnodar, electric cars are popular due to the climate and the prevalence of private housing, which allows for home charging.
In contrast, Moscow faces challenges due to high-density residential areas and a lack of charging infrastructure for apartment dwellers. Consequently, younger drivers are increasingly opting for hybrid vehicles.
